Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals

Innovations in the world of robotics are multiplying, with many cutting-edge breakthroughs, and this exciting and timely new book for young readers explores one particularly intriguing area: the world of robo-animals, or zoobots. In an attempt to design robots that can solve problems or perform tasks that humans can't, or just can't do easily, roboticists have been looking at the unique skills some animals have. Using something called mechatronics --- mechanical and electrical engineering combined with computer science --- they are finding ways to closely mirror those skills in robot form. Some fascinating examples from the book of what zoobots can do include: finding survivors of a fire using sensitive, computerized "whiskers"; scaling skyscraper walls using super stickiness; or delivering drugs deep within the human body using microscopic whiptails for locomotion. Twelve zoobots are described, each on its own two-page spread.Award-winning children's author Helaine Becker's text is comprehensive, yet clear and lively, and is made more manageable by being broken up into shorter segments. The futuristic design of the book includes vivid, detailed color illustrations by Alex Ries, of both the zoobot prototypes as well as the animals from which their skills were derived. This imaginative and interesting nonfiction book will definitely capture the imaginations of technology buffs. It also has enormous potential for classroom use in exploring everything from basic technology and robots, to engineering concepts, to inventions. A glossary and an index make it work well as a wonderful reference tool.

Author: Helaine Becker
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 04/01/2014
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 11.26h x 8.71w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781554539710
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.4
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 165210 / Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2014
Quill & Quire 03/01/2014 pg. 38
School Library Journal 04/01/2014 pg. 178
Booklist 05/01/2014 pg. 90
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 pg. 172 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Helaine Becker is an award-winning children's author. She has written over seventy books, including the #1 Canadian National Bestseller, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.


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